A Richmond Hill hospital acknowledged a mistake that led to the death of a newborn baby about two years ago. The Mackenzie Health reportedly was not able to see an important blood test of the child that led to his death.
A Toronto Star exclusive reported that Rebecca and Patrick Bonnell believed the death of their newborn son, Kieran, could have prevented if the hospital knew he had E. coli in the first place.
"How could staff at Mackenzie Health in Richmond Hill miss the E. coli diagnosis?" Rebecca said noting that doctors were not able to check a blood test revealing that her 8-day old son was positive for E. coli.
"It was like someone shot me in the chest," she told Toronto Star. "I couldn't believe it. ... It was so painful finding out he could have lived."
The result prompted the parents to file a $900,000 suit noting that an important test on their kid was missed by medical doctors. If they were aware of it early on, Kieran could still be alive, his mother believes.
It was noted that the hospital already recognized a mistake and wrote an apology to the Bonnells. Mackenzie Health spokesperson Melina Cormier said the medical facility maintains an open communication with the parents in relation to what happened.
"When an incident occurs, the hospital analyzes the incident and a plan is developed with systemic steps to avoid or reduce the risk of further incidents," she added. This plan is also shared with the patient and/or family."
In an emotional interview, Patrick said it was a very difficult moment to let their son go. "We never want anybody to go through that ever," he said as he tried to fight back tears from falling.
Rebecca added that they decided to speak up because they do not want more families to experience the same. "Our goal is to make sure this does not happen again to any other baby," she claimed.
